Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2007. Graduate Programme in Geography. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 181-188). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR32018

This study focuses on exploring the personal perspectives and understanding of youth engagement within the Canadian context according to youth engagement researchers, practitioners and funders. This study applied a qualitative research strategy and employed phenomenological methods of interviews and focus groups. This study seeks to highlight the key characteristics and trends from the participant’s perspective within the Canadian youth engagement landscape. Building on the tenants of Transformational Learning Theory and the historical understandings of youth engagement, this study explores how youth engagement is both conceptualized and perceived across three key sectors: researchers, practitioners and funders. Finally, reflecting on the key characteristics identified by the participants this study also discusses the further understanding of the complexity of youth-adult partnerships, the civic role of young people and the potential of developing a collective and shared understanding of youth engagement by practitioners, funders and researchers. / Graduate

This is the final submission of my Masters Thesis. / OBJECTIVES: Cognitive disordered eating behaviours (body shape concerns) are prevalent among youth with higher unhealthy body mass indexes (BMIs), while physical disordered eating behaviours (unhealthy changes in eating habits) are common mechanisms in determining future BMI. This thesis investigates the associations between these disordered eating behaviours and BMI categories and evaluates potential covariate modification. As a secondary objective, this thesis investigates the association between unhealthy eating patterns and BMI categories. METHODS & DATA ANALYSIS: This study was conducted among Canadian youth aged 12-17 (n=12,350). Body shape concerns were measured as the frequency of having a preoccupied desire to be thin while changing eating habits was measured as the frequency of changing eating habits to manage weight. Unhealthy eating patterns were defined as frequent restaurant eating, energy drink consumption, and skipping breakfast. Categorical BMI classifications consisted of obesity, overweight and normal/underweight. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression models were constructed. Covariates were independently tested for statistical interaction in the primary relationships. Measures of association were reported as adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Having a preoccupied desire to be thin was associated with increased odds of being overweight and having obesity. These relationships were modified by sex, physical activity, and sleep. Changing eating habits to manage weight was associated with increased odds of being overweight and having obesity. These relationships were modified by sex. Skipping breakfast increased the odds of being overweight and having obesity, while consuming energy drinks increased the odds of having obesity. CONCLUSION: Over 40% of the sample experienced some frequency of having body shape concerns or changing eating habits to manage weight. These disordered eating behaviours increase the odds of being overweight and having obesity. Continued monitoring through national–level surveys, will be crucial in understanding changes in rates of disordered eating behaviour. / Thesis / Master of Public Health (MPH)

Young men of Portuguese heritage in Toronto continue to demonstrate lower levels of educational attainment. American and Canadian research increasingly points to gender and masculinity to address boys’ academic underachievement, yet studies have not focused a gender lens on Portuguese male youth in Toronto to interrogate educational achievement. This qualitative exploratory study explores gender through constructions of masculinity to better understand young Portuguese-Canadian men and their choices concerning education. Through their narratives, participants revealed that masculinity does inform their attitudes and choices concerning education and school. Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus and field are used to explore how masculinity and educational mobility generate considerable struggle and tension in participants’ lived experiences. This study ultimately surfaced more questions surrounding resistance to help-related educational resources, effects of educational mobility on ethnic identity and cultural cohesiveness, and how and when young men of Portuguese ancestry arrive at decisions to de-select education.

Young men of Portuguese heritage in Toronto continue to demonstrate lower levels of educational attainment. American and Canadian research increasingly points to gender and masculinity to address boys’ academic underachievement, yet studies have not focused a gender lens on Portuguese male youth in Toronto to interrogate educational achievement. This qualitative exploratory study explores gender through constructions of masculinity to better understand young Portuguese-Canadian men and their choices concerning education. Through their narratives, participants revealed that masculinity does inform their attitudes and choices concerning education and school. Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus and field are used to explore how masculinity and educational mobility generate considerable struggle and tension in participants’ lived experiences. This study ultimately surfaced more questions surrounding resistance to help-related educational resources, effects of educational mobility on ethnic identity and cultural cohesiveness, and how and when young men of Portuguese ancestry arrive at decisions to de-select education.

Abstract Background: There has been minimal research conducted on the unique experiences of Black youth who transition out of the child welfare system, and as well as the factors that contribute to their success or failure to accessing housing. Purpose: The purpose of study is to explore the needs and experiences of Black youth using Critical Race theory, BlackCrit and Social Capital theory to better understand their experience accessing safe, affordable housing within the Greater Toronto Area after transitioning out of child welfare. Methods: Five Black youth were recruited using site sampling and snow-ball sampling to participate in an arts-based and narrative study. The data was then analyzed in a constant comparative method. Findings: The findings from this study suggest the following things: The emotional roller coaster of being in care, the importance of community and sense of family, youth voices in decision-making process, unpreparedness for independent living, the unawareness of housing options, youth definition of good housing, more resources are needed prior to departure of child welfare. Implications and Recommendations for Change: In light of the findings in this study, a number of recommendations are proposed for improving outcomes for Black youth leaving care and their access to housing. Below is a summary of recommendations: A. To focus on building and providing genuine relationships through a caring adult and permanency for Black youth in care B. Centralize and value the voices of Black youth in care throughout their post-care planning, policy development and research C. To address and respond to the unique experiences that Black youth with disabilities face within the housing market when preparing them for independence outside of the CWS D. To apply a Housing first Youth approach It is my hope that this information will be used to support policy changes and program development in child welfare and the rental housing market that can result in more successful outcomes for Black youth. / Thesis / Master of Social Work (MSW)